Performance on standardized tests is only one factor considered in the admission process*. While the writing portion of the ACT is not required, we will consider these results if you wish to submit them. In addition to your composite score, we also consider your sub-scores in the area(s) (English, math, reading, science) that closely relate to your intended major at UWM. Submission of ACT/SAT results is not required of freshman applicants age 21 or older.

*Beginning with Fall 2020, test-optional has been adopted by the UW System. If you are interested in opting into test-optional admissions, please contact us at undergraduateadmissions@uwm.edu to learn more.

Applicants for Fall, Spring, and Summer 2021 please check back for additional updates regarding this process.

The application form includes one applicant statement intended to help us learn more about you beyond your test results and high school record. The essay asks you to tell us about your academic and personal achievements including successes and challenges that will influence you in your college education. It is strongly recommended that you complete the essay in it’s entirety. While letters of recommendation are not required, if you choose to submit one or two for consideration, please be sure that the letter addresses your academic ability and potential for success at UWM.

Application Process and Dates

FALL APPLICANTS:  Applications are accepted beginning August 1 for the fall semester with a priority deadline of March 1st. After March 1st, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will continue to review applications on a case-by-case basis until enrollment capacity has been reached.

Apply online at apply.wisconsin.edu

Note:  If you are interested in taking summer classes at our branch campuses, UWM at Waukesha or UWM at Washington County, you will need to apply through those campuses.  Go to uwc.edu and click on “Apply for Summer 2019” for more information. 

Pay the Application Processing Fee

You may pay your fee online when you submit your application. Or, you may log back into your application to submit your fee online later. We also accept a check or money order.

Send Transcripts

We require official transcripts, sent directly from the school, for all high school and college level work. If you are still in high school, be sure to also list your senior-year classes on the application form.

Send Test Scores

It is recommended that new freshmen submit ACT or SAT test scores*. When you take the ACT or SAT, select UW-Milwaukee (ACT school code: 4658; SAT school code: 1473) to have your scores sent directly to us. Submission of ACT/SAT results is not required of freshman applicants age 21 or older. If you have taken Advanced Placement exams (AP), International Baccalaureate exams (IB), or the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams and would like UWM to evaluate these scores for possible credit, please have your results sent from these testing agencies. Students whose native language is not English and who were not educated in an entirely English-speaking country will likely need to submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

*Beginning with Fall 2020, test-optional has been adopted by the UW System. If you are interested in opting into test-optional admissions, please contact us at undergraduateadmissions@uwm.edu to learn more.

Applicants for Fall, Spring, and Summer 2021 please check back for additional updates regarding this process.

Admission Decisions

Soon after we receive your application, we will send you information about how to check the status of your application online, via our PAWS (Panther Access to Web Services) student information system. Log onto PAWS to monitor your application “to do” items. Once all of the “to do” items disappear, your file is complete and is ready for an admission decision. During peak times, you may expect to wait 2-3 weeks for a decision.

Potential outcomes may include:

• Direct admission to the Milwaukee campus
• A request for additional information to be sent
• Denied with an offer of admission to either the Waukesha or Washington County campuses
• Denied

No, we recommend that you submit your ACT/SAT scores*. An ACT or SAT score can provide useful information that we will consider alongside the other required application materials.  For students who will be 21 by September 1^st before the start of the term they wish to enroll scores will not be requested. There are also some situations when students over 21 may be asked to provide a test score to help us determine admission. This could be an ACT or SAT, or it could be our Admission Test Series.  If you need to provide additional information, staff from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will reach out to you.

**Beginning with Fall 2020, test-optional has been adopted by the UW System. If you are interested in opting into test-optional admissions, please contact us at undergraduateadmissions@uwm.edu to learn more.

Applicants for Fall, Spring, and Summer 2021 please check back for additional updates regarding this process.

Once an application file is complete, including application fee and all relevant documents, you may expect to receive a decision in approximately 3-4 weeks.

Yes. If you are changing your term of entry to UWM from one semester to another, complete the Term Change Request form

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will review requests for reconsideration on a case-by-case basis.  Please follow the steps outlined in the Admission Reconsideration Policy if you wish to have your application reconsidered.

All newly admitted first-year students are automatically granted contract access to live in University Housing. Contract access is emailed to students approximately two weeks after they are admitted, starting in mid-October. Students will complete their contract online at www.uwm.edu/myhousing. The priority date for completing a University Housing Contract is May 1 (December 1 for Spring Admits), and assignments are made by random lottery, which takes into account certain preferences (Living Learning Community, Room Type, Roommate, etc.) made by the student at the time they complete their contract.

UW-Milwaukee does have a Residency Policy which states that all first-time students under the age of 21 are expected to live on-campus, where availability allows. There are a few valid reasons to be exempt from this policy. For more information on the process to request an exemption, visit:https://uwm.edu/housing/students/residency-requirement/.  

First, please visit fafsa.ed.gov for information on applying for financial aid. Then if you have more specific questions, contact the Financial Aid Department at 414-229-4541 or finaid@uwm.edu

Yes, all new incoming freshmen are required to take University of Wisconsin System placement tests so you will be placed in the appropriate level classes.

For students attending UWM at Waukesha and UWM at Washington County, you must take your placement tests at your intended campus  because the essay component is not offered elsewhere.

If students do not take placement tests, you will not be invited to the Student Advising and Registration program (New Student Orientation). This means you would not be able to register for classes.